Predictive Value of Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Levels in Ischemic Stroke Outcome

Abstract

Ischemic stroke may be associated with pituitary dysfunction, particularly GH and gonadotropin deficiencies. The higher IGF-I levels observed in patients with better outcome suggest a possible neuroprotective role of IGF-I. Circulating IGF-I may predict functional performance during rehabilitation and ischemic stroke outcome.